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Resin is used in a lot of valuable products --> but extracting resin weakens trees, and reduces lumber value --> scientists could develop a way to genetically modify pine trees that doesn't weaken them after resin extraction --> So resin production could significantly increase without harming the lumber industry.
We need to weaken the argument
A) Even thought the resin extraction is highly profitable, it harms lumber industry, so eliminate this option
B) This doesn't really weaken our argument because --> 'some' tree diseases are spread by insects that are attracted to resin, but if we genetically modify the pine trees we can still avoid weakening them
C) This is our answer as it weakens the argument where it states " resin production could increase significantly without harming the lumber industry.". Since the overall lumber yields are anyways reduced, the lumber industry will be harmed.
D) Okay the demand is declining, but we are concerned about new method of extraction of resin without harming trees, so eliminate.
E) Out of scope.
Answer is C.
okHedwig
Please share the explanation to this. I was confused between B & C
Quote:
Aside from producing lumber, pine trees yield resin, which can be processed into turpentine and rosin—valuable products used in paints, adhesives, and varnishes. However, extracting resin weakens the trees, making them more susceptible to disease and reducing their long-term lumber value. If forestry scientists develop a way to genetically modify pine trees to produce resin without weakening them, resin production could increase significantly without harming the lumber industry.

[color=#404040]Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument?[/color]

A. Resin extraction is already highly profitable, even with the current limitations on production.
B. Some tree diseases are spread by insects that are attracted to resin, regardless of how it is harvested.
C. Genetically modified pine trees may grow more slowly than conventional ones, reducing overall lumber yields.
D. The demand for turpentine and rosin has been declining in recent years due to synthetic alternatives.
E. Current resin extraction methods require skilled labor, which is becoming increasingly expensive.
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plan to yield lumber production. what if lumber production go slow?

ANSWER: C

A. Resin extraction is already highly profitable, even with the current limitations on production.
B. Some tree diseases are spread by insects that are attracted to resin, regardless of how it is harvested.
C. Genetically modified pine trees may grow more slowly than conventional ones, reducing overall lumber yields.
D. The demand for turpentine and rosin has been declining in recent years due to synthetic alternatives.
E. Current resin extraction methods require skilled labor, which is becoming increasingly expensive.
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